David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Glen Taylor Received More for Sale Than Reported $1.5 Billion

Posted on July 5, 2025July 5, 2025 by David Shama

Glen Taylor told Sports Headliners in a phone interview this week he received more than the previously reported $1.5 billion for selling the NBA Timberwolves and WNBA Lynx. That figure was reported by media outlets late last month when news of the NBA approving the sale of the franchises happened.

Taylor said the transfer of ownership to a group headed by Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez was finalized on June 25. Asked if the settlement price was $1.5 billion, Taylor said: “The answer is no but I am not going to get into it.”

Then he said the final figure “ended up to be on the plus-side of that ($1.5 billion).”

Estimates are the Wolves alone are worth at least double that figure. However, when Taylor and Lore and Rodriguez first agreed to a sale back in 2021 the $1.5 billion was the price settled on.

Taylor, the Mankato-based billionaire, was originally going to maintain a 20 percent share of the Wolves after the new owners took control. Asked about owning a small portion of the franchise now, he said: “No, they decided they didn’t want to and that was fine with me. The option was up to them.”

The four-year process in selling the franchises became contentious last year when Taylor disputed whether Lore and Rodriguez had met the deadline to become majority owners. He said the franchises were no longer for sale, and that led to litigation. A ruling earlier this year by an arbitration panel awarded the franchises to the Lore and Rodriguez group that also includes Michael Bloomberg, whose estimated net worth of over $100 billion makes him one of the world’s richest individuals.

The dispute involved hard feelings and cost tens of millions of dollars in legal fees but Taylor said now Lore and Rodriguez have been “cordial” toward him. “We wish them well,” Taylor added. “I’ve already talked to them and…told them that if I can be of assistance to them they should feel comfortable in calling me and talking with me. So, we’ll see if they do that.”

Taylor, 84 and long troubled by back pain, was joined in the sales process that began four years ago by his wife Becky. They are both big fans of the Wolves and Lynx. Taylor bought the Wolves in 1994 from original owners Marv Wolfenson and Harvey Ratner. He started the Lynx as an expansion franchise in 1999. Taylor owns various businesses including the Star Tribune. His Taylor Corporation is one of the largest privately held companies in the country.

What are his feelings now that his role is that of a fan? “I actually feel good. I think it was the right thing to do. You just look at all the things I am committed to. And now with my back (problem) and all that stuff. I think it was fine (the way things turned out).

“Since we signed (the deal) we’ve gone to…Lynx games. We still love to watch those women. We both feel really good on it. We haven’t done any travelling or anything, but we will.”

The Wolves and Lynx’s home arena, Target Center, is the second oldest facility in the NBA. It’s no secret the new owners want to replace the city of Minneapolis owned facility that opened in 1990. Not known, though, is that Taylor had research done regarding a possible new home for the teams.

Taylor didn’t want to say much about a new arena, positioning that as the role now of the new owners but he did offer this: “We had done quite a bit of work on it already so I’d just a soon kind of stay away (from discussing more.) I don’t know if they will use that. I think they will use some of that work that we had previously done.”

Location and financing of a new building will stir a lot of conversations and emotions. You can be sure Minneapolis supporters are agitated about talk the teams will leave for the suburbs. A site fight for a new Minnesota stadium or arena can be nasty and so, too, would public financing.

A privately financed facility avoids a lot of problems. “Yes, and I think that’s one of the things that they’re looking at,” Taylor said.

What kind of owners does he think the new group will be? “Well, I think they’re going to have to learn this market because they’re both from out East. I think things are different (than) the eastern markets.

“So, I think they have to spend some time and look at the sponsors and look at what people pay for tickets and all that stuff. There’s just a lot learning experience. I am sure they’ll do that.”

The Wolves have made the Western Conference Finals the last two years. The Lynx played for the WNBA title last year and could win the championship later this year. Fan expectations for both franchises will remain high under new leadership.

The two teams have not only of late excelled on the court, but finances are noteworthy also, Taylor said. “I feel proud and good about that,” he said about the status of the franchises.

What does Taylor believe his legacy will be for owning the two franchises for more than 25 years? “I think it will always be the same thing. That Glen Taylor kept them in Minnesota.”

Taylor’s name has been linked to being a possible buyer of the Twins but when asked about owning another local franchise he said “at my age I don’t think it would be good to get involved with another team.”

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“Breaking News:” At Last Minute Writing This Week

Posted on July 1, 2025July 1, 2025 by David Shama

So, here’s the deal, boys and girls. I wasn’t going to write this week but just couldn’t help offering up a Fourth of July Week special to add merriment to your celebration.

Yes, this column is written mostly tongue-in-cheek. For younger readers not familiar with the term, I am writing in a playful, hopefully humorous manner. BTW I don’t mind exchanging old and new vocabulary with teens who these days say “body count” refers to how many people you have slept with.

(For those responding with their “body count,” be assured your total is kept secret here).

Usually, I write a sports trivia questions column around Fourth of July time. Not so this year but I can’t help typing just one of my favorites from the past:

Who is the only person ever to play for the Twins and Vikings? (Mull it over, and after you have an answer or give up, scroll to the bottom of the column for the answer. Hint: the answer is a real “groaner.”)

America will celebrate its 250th anniversary next year. I am not that old, but my golf game feels like it.

In the spirit of self-defense, I report a nearly three-month struggle with back issues, sometimes rising to excruciating pain. My journey includes numerous physical therapy and chiro sessions and sit-downs with back surgeons. And I can’t leave out an epidural shot with a needle so close to a nerve that it just about shot me off the table.

The misery has at times been so bad some might want me to suggest this attitude: “I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.”

Hmm! (Not so sure about that).

Now I relate this saga not expecting pity or even sympathy. Because I am among the skeptics who believe most people aren’t that interested you are hurting. And the rest are glad you’re suffering! Ha!

But cut my golf game a little slack because it feels like I never played before. Just remember: “There’s always the 19^th hole.”

Don’t know if you’re planning to watch fireworks this year or staying at home. One crazy thing I’ve noted over the years from asking people about fireworks watching is it seems like everyone claims a great view from the roof at their house! Use the ladder at your own peril!

While my ark remains in the garage, I see the weather forecast indicates sunny days for a change. This could prompt my first trip to the car wash in 2025. I am debating whether to visit the most expensive and complicated of locations. Last year the directions for a wash selection could only be understood by geeks and AI entities.

So, that could be me driving around town this week in a clean car and reminiscing about all kinds of things you couldn’t even imagine. Example: maybe I will drive by a workplace from long ago that once prompted this remark from my young son Joel who was out for a ride with dad, mom and brother: “Look dad, there’s the place that gives you nightmares!”

That workplace never gave me an award but later a Bloomington-based company did honor me, David John Shama. The nameplate on the award recognized David S. Shama.

This is an anniversary week celebration for my wife and me. It’s also my wife’s birthday. We enjoyed dinner at a nice restaurant, and I am grateful to have escaped with a total bill of under (barely) $200!

We also celebrated with a Lake Minnetonka dinner cruise. The boat captain was a man of good humor, announcing at the end of the cruise to check on eBay in an hour for any personal items lost on the boat. He encouraged “bidding” for retrieval.

Enjoy your Fourth of July Week. Remember, though, charcoal grills and processed foods are bad; alcohol is poison and sugar is the devil. Otherwise, enjoy your water and vegetables.

Remember these heartfelt words: Love America and appreciate this great Republic that so many sacrificed for to make it the envy of the world. Stand up for the U.S.A.!

Trivia answer: The only person ever to play for the Twins and Vikings was the stadium organist. (Groan!)

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Supporters Talk ‘Recipe’ for Coach Medved Success at U

Posted on June 25, 2025July 8, 2025 by David Shama

There is an old cliché about impressive coaches “winning” their introductory press conferences. An initial honeymoon can extend longer and that appears to be the reality for new University of Minnesota men’s basketball coach Niko Medved.

The Minnesota born and raised Medved has been a hit since the announcement came on March 24 that he was leaving his successful program at Colorado State to take the head coaching job at his alma mater. He’s been embraced literally and figuratively because of his ties to the state, successful coaching record at multiple stops and a personality that resonates as authentic, humble and determined to restore the Gopher basketball brand.

Sports Headliners checked in with sources tied to the program and asked their thoughts about the 52-year-old Medved who was a student manager in the 1990s under head coach Clem Haskins. That era was the last time the program had a glorious run—with Williams Arena turned into a mad house and the best ticket value in town for sports entertainment.

…”It’s probably the best fit this place has had in quite some time,” said former Gopher radio analyst Spencer Tollackson about the Medved hire.

Tollackson played at Minnesota in 2006-2007 when Medved was an assistant on the staff. So, too, did Jamal Abu-Shamala who believes the new coach will do a “fantastic job running the program.”

One of the requirements for success with the Gophers, Abu-Shamala reminded Sports Headliners, is connecting with the community and fans. “He’s the perfect guy for this day and age. He’s really good in front of a crowd. He’s good in front of people and that’s only going to build that connectivity to the program which people feel they need…here in Minnesota. I think that’s more critical than ever.”

In the new millennium, losing seasons have become commonplace at the U. Minnesota finished last in the Big Ten standings in both 2022 and 2023. The last time the Gophers finished with a winning record in Big Ten games was 10-8 in 2017. Prior to that the only winning season in conference games was 2005 at 10-6.

Medved’s coaching chops with teaching and strategizing will be important for a turnaround, but talent always figures in prominently. And in the new world of college basketball, players can earn not just six-figures but become millionaires because of revenue sharing by athletic departments and compensation for name, image and likeness.

Tollackson refers to the “differentiating factor” of money in today’s landscape. And he recalled someone said this to him: “The answer is money. Now what’s your question?”

Gopher booster Bob Klas has given significant amounts of money to Minnesota’s official collective for NIL, Dinkytown Athletes. He was asked the following:

Can Medved be more successful as Gopher coach than his four predecessors in this millennium? And what will it take?

“A key to Niko being successful, as I imagine will be true for most other coaches, will be the amount of revenue sharing and NIL money he’ll have available for his program,” Klas said via email. “From what I’ve heard and read so far, the (Gopher) athletics department seems committed to providing him with a competitive budget. If that happens, I think Niko’s program can be in the upper half of the Big Ten, which hasn’t been the case for a while.”

Jim Petersen, a member of Minnesota’s 1982 Big Ten championship team, said previous coach Ben Johnson “was kind of hamstrung a little bit” regarding NIL money but he anticipates Medved having more resources. Word is men’s basketball will have more money than in the past from Dinkytown Athletes, and revenue sharing by the athletic department is expected to begin this summer for multiple sports at Minnesota including Medved’s program.

“I think he’s going to be successful,” Petersen said in response to a question about what the future will hold for Medved.

Those who know Medved believe his success will partially come from his ability to identify talent when others don’t. At Colorado State he recruited Minneapolis native David Roddy when many programs didn’t show that much interest, and he helped develop him into a NBA first round pick. In this week’s draft former Rams star Nique Clifford, who transferred to Fort Collins after a mediocre run at Colorado, is likely to go in the first round.

Abu-Shamala sees Medved as a coach who burns to win and will discover under the radar talent. “I think he’s super competitive. He’s a worker. He’s out and about all the time connecting with coaches…but he’s also going around and he’s looking at players’ intangibles that I think are often overlooked.

“Nowadays, there’s all these analytics. This guy shoots this percentage from three and this is how he fits in. But I think often overlooked is the element of who they are as people and how they fit into a culture. And I think he will do a really nice job of finding those players that have the pieces that you can’t measure with analytics.

“David Roddy had that. He’s just a worker. He didn’t fit a position, so people didn’t know where to slot him. And you get guys like that, that can find a role on a team, and they’ll be successful.”

If Abu-Shamala sounds pumped about Medved, he’s not alone. “I want to go play (for him) right now,” said the 63-year-old Petersen, once a prep All-American at St. Louis Park High School and also an NBA veteran.

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